How to Find a Sport Psychologist
As an athlete, it's important to take care of not only your physical health, but also your mental health. And sometimes, you may need to seek the help of a professional to do so. But with so many options out there, how do you find a credible and experienced sport psychologist? And how is a sport psychologist different from a mental health therapist?
Let’s first define what a sport psychologist is. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sport psychology is "the scientific study of people and their behaviors in sport and exercise activities and the practical application of that knowledge." In other words, a sport psychologist is a specialized type of psychologist who focuses on helping athletes improve their mental game and overall performance. In order for someone to call themselves a sport psychologist, they need to have specialized knowledge in various areas:
the social, historical, cultural, and developmental foundations of sport psychology
issues and techniques involved in sport-specific psychological assessment and mental skills training for performance enhancement
clinical and counseling issues that are specific to athletes
organizational and systemic aspects of sport consulting, including how to navigate confidentiality and boundaries in team settings
developmental, social, and biobehavioral bases of sport and exercise
rules and regulations of sport organizations, such as the International Olympic Committee and National Collegiate Athletic Association
How do I find & select someone to work with?
Look at Their Credentials
When searching for a sport psychologist, make sure they have the appropriate credentials. This may include being licensed by the state, having a doctorate in psychology, and/or being certified by a reputable organization such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). See the information below regarding the various credentials, acronyms, and what they mean.
Ask for Referrals & Search Databases
If you have teammates or coaches who have worked with a sport psychologist before, ask for their recommendations. You can also search databases (like Psychology Today) and reach out to sports organizations, such as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, for referrals.
Research Their Experience
Make sure to do your own research on the sport psychologist's experience and background. Look at their website, read reviews, and check out their social media presence. You want to make sure they have experience working with athletes at your level and in your sport. If you are a member of specific community or population, look into that as well. For example, some sport psychology providers may have expertise in work with female athletes and menopause. Others may have expertise in work with BIPOC or LGBTQ+ athletes. It’s important to find someone who will be able to empathize with your situation, as well as direct you toward important resources to support your growth.
What’s the difference between a therapist & a performance consultant?
Both professionals can have similar training and education, but there are some key differences in their focus and approach.
Mental Health Providers
A mental health therapist typically focuses on treating mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, using various forms of psychotherapy. They may also work with individuals who are experiencing personal or relationship issues. To find a mental health therapist, make sure they’re licensed as a counselor or psychologist in your state (or able to practice in your state). Look for the initials LPC, LPCC, LMHC, LCSW, or LP after their name. These are acronyms that reflect their clinical licensure.
Performance Consultants
A mental performance consultant focuses specifically on helping athletes improve their performance and mental game. This may include working on areas such as goal-setting, visualization, and coping with pressure. They may also work with athletes on issues related to injury or retirement from their sport. To find someone with expertise in this area, look to see if they are a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. They’ll often indicate this by including “CMPC” after their name. This credential is a good indication that they’ve received the training and education needed to support performance work and athletes.
Sport Psychologists or Athletic Counselors
Sport psychologists will meet criteria as mental health providers and as performance consultants. This is a great option for athletes who would like to address mental health concerns while also focusing on performance enhancement or improvement.
How do I know what type of provider I need?
Mental Health Therapists & Psychologists
If you suspect you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or mental health concerns, make sure you find a licensed mental health therapist with mental health training. Providers may be licensed at the masters level or the doctoral level and need to meet the following criteria:
Master's Level:
Education: A master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Supervised Experience: A minimum of two years of supervised clinical experience, which includes direct client contact and clinical supervision by a licensed mental health professional.
Exam: A passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination or an equivalent exam.
License: A state-issued license to practice counseling, which requires meeting the education, experience, and exam requirements outlined above.
Doctoral Level:
Education: A doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an accredited institution.
Supervised Experience: A minimum of one year of supervised clinical experience, which includes direct client contact and clinical supervision by a licensed mental health professional.
Exam: A passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) or an equivalent exam.
License: A state-issued license to practice psychology, which requires meeting the education, experience, and exam requirements outlined above.
In both cases, ongoing continuing education is required to maintain the license. It's important to note that the specific requirements for licensure vary by state, so it's essential to check with the state licensing board to determine the exact requirements in your area.
Certified Mental Performance Consultants
If you are most interested in working on performance issues (e.g., focus, motivation, goal setting), then look into a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. The certification process is overseen by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), which is the leading organization for sport psychology professionals. The AASP provides guidance on the certification process, as well as resources for continuing education and professional development.
To become a CMPC, people need to meet the following criteria:
Education: CMPCs must have a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Coursework: CMPCs must complete specific coursework related to sport psychology, including topics such as sport psychology theory, psychological foundations of exercise, and social psychology of sport.
Practicum: CMPCs must complete a supervised practicum in sport psychology, which involves working with athletes and coaches to develop mental skills and strategies.
Mentorship: Candidates must complete 50+ hours of mentorship in sport psychology, which involves working with a mentor approved by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology
Examination: Candidates must pass a written examination to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in sport psychology.
Continuing education: CMPCs must participate in ongoing continuing education to maintain their certification.
USOPC Mental Health Registry
Want to work on both mental health and performance? Great! Try to find someone with training in both areas. The USOPC Mental Health Registry is a great database of professionals who have expertise in mental health work with athletes. Once licensed mental health professionals meet the following requirements, they can apply to be listed on the USOPC mental health registry. The USOPC has a selection committee that reviews applications and selects mental health professionals to be listed on the registry. For people to get on this list, they need to do the following:
Education: must hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution.
License: must hold a current, unrestricted license to practice in their state or province.
Experience: must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in mental health counseling or therapy, with a focus on working with athletes, coaches, or sports organizations.
Membership: must be members of their respective professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association or the National Association of Social Workers.
Training: must have completed specialized training in sport psychology or working with athletes, coaches, or sports organizations.
Background Check: must undergo a criminal background check.
Practicing Across State Lines
Want to find a mental health professional who can work across state lines? Look into providers with the PSYPACT authorization. This authorization allows psychologists to practice telepsychology across state lines in any PSYPACT state (currently 36 states and counting). This license is perfect for athletes who are regularly traveling, as well as college student athletes who split time between home and their college/university. To participate in PSYPACT, licensed psychologists must meet the following requirements:
Eligibility: must hold a current, unrestricted license to practice psychology in their home state and have no history of disciplinary action or malpractice claims.
Continuing Education: must meet the continuing education requirements of their home state.
Exam: must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) or an equivalent exam.
Background Check: must undergo a criminal background check.
This can all get pretty confusing for athletes and parents who are just starting on this journey to find some support. The chart above can provide a good starting point to familiarize yourself with the various requirements needed to enter a given field or to obtain a given credential. Don’t hesitate to contact potential providers and ask them questions about their training, background, and expertise.
Ultimately, finding a credible and experienced sport psychologist is an important step in taking care of your mental health as an athlete. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find a professional who can help you take your performance to the next level. And while a sport psychologist and mental health therapist may have some similarities, it's important to understand the differences.
